STATEHOUSE- State Representative Lloyd Arnold (R-Leavenworth) sponsored Senate Bill (SB) 222, which protects high school athletes from furthering the negative effects of concussions. The bill passed out of the House today by a vote of 95 to 2.

SB 222 adds to an existing law that requires coaches to remove players suspected of having a concussion from play. The bill added that the student athlete removed from play must wait at least 24 hours before being able to play in the sport again. This will give more time for coaches and students to evaluate the potential of a concussion before a student could make a condition worse.

“This is a very important bill to me,” said Rep. Arnold. “More and more is being uncovered about the negative effects of head injuries in sports, especially football. SB 222 will address those issues so that safety remains the forefront concern for student athletes, and we limit injury as much as possible.”

The bill also requires head and assistant coaches of high school football teams to complete a concussions safety course every two years. In committee, SB 222 was supported by Rep. Arnold, USA Football, the Indiana Department of Education and the Insurance Institute of Indiana.

“This bill really strengthens the current language regarding high school student athletes expected of a concussion in football,” said Rep. Arnold. “No student should have his health affected through sports involvement.”

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